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In recent years, armed conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir has largely subsided, with public opposition to Indian rule now seen mostly in street protests, where government forces and rock-throwing youths regularly face off.—AP (File Photo)

SRINAGAR: Police in Indian-administered Kashmir arrested a young woman accused of throwing stones at government forces during anti-India protests two years ago. She has been charged with attempted murder, a police officer said Saturday.

Zahida Akhtar was arrested on Friday in southern town of Anantnag and also is charged with instigating protests, said police officer Ramesh Jalla.

In 2010, Kashmir witnessed some of the largest protests against Indian rule that left at least 112 people dead in firing by government forces.

Police have arrested over 5,000 people since then, but freed most of them.

Adil Ahmed Dar, Akhtar’s brother, denied the police claim and said his sister was hit by a police bullet and had to drop out of school. “I took her to the police station after police came to my shop and said she was wanted for an inquiry. When we reached there, they simply arrested her,” Dar said.

“This is even worse than jungle rule. First they (government forces) almost made her an invalid. Now, after two years they’ve arrested her,” he said.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, and it is claimed by both countries.

According to some estimates, an armed uprising and ensuing crackdown by Indian forces have left an estimated 68,000 people dead in the region since 1989. In recent years, the armed conflict has largely subsided, with public opposition to Indian rule now seen mostly in street protests, where government forces and rock-throwing youths regularly face off.

Meanwhile, a top separatist leader in the disputed region Saturday condemned the woman’s arrest and said India has converted Kashmir into a “police state.”

“On the other hand, they’ve not brought to book any police or soldier involved in 2010 killings,” said Syed Ali Shah Geelani in a statement.